It was really a moan day for Unai Emery side last in the week 9 game when the visit Sheffield United at home, the team were punish by the newly promoted side 1 goal to nil and it was such a shocking result for Arsenal who sees most of their chances being wasted. Actually i think the team deserve to be encourage because when we take a closer look at their away performance so far in the league, it is not so encouraging for a team that is fighting for the top 4 and probably contesting for the title. The team has lost two of their last four games away from home and also sharing the point in two different occasion, although they are yet to loss a game at home this season which is really good for them but losing to a team like Sheffield is not really a good one as their away poor run continues in the league.
Unai Emery side were not too clinical in front of goal as they were able to manage just 3 shots on target out of the shots taken by them, the club summer record signing had the chance to put the team ahead but his effort was wasted while Sheffield goal keeper Henderson also denied Xhaka another beautiful chance and the final result of the game see the team dropping to the fifth position behind Chelsea while Sheffield United seized the chance to move to the first half position of the table. Sheffield United are very strong defensively this season conceding less in the league whenever they play against top side.
The atmosphere was really great at Bramall Lane with about 30,775 spectators on ground to watch both teams as they stick to their game plan, both teams actually started the game very well but it was Arsenal that first had the chance through Nicolas Pepe when he received the ball from Sead Kolasinac in the 21 minutes but see his attempt on goal went wide, it was such an open game between both side but Arsenal were much more in control of the game with ball possession at 69 to 31. Sheffield took their chance in the game through Mousset in the 30 minutes of the game from Oliver Norwood's corner kick, O'Connell first headed the ball at goal before Mousset find the back of the net.
While Arsenal were pushing for an equalize after the goal, they had another chance to level the score line but Sheffield goal keeper was fully in the game as he also denied Xhaka another brilliant effort, the midfielder power a powerful shot from a long range but Herderson was so at alert to save it from entry the net and both sides were separated by 1 goal at half time. The second half resume and it was Sheffield United that had the chance to score another goal and they were so unfortunate to get a goal from George Baldock attempt while John Fleck shot from a close range also hit the side of the net and few minutes later, Fleck also see his effort been denied by Leno when he couldn't manage to control the ball very well.
Arsenal would have gotten their consolation goal in the late minute of the game through Pepe when the team was awarded a free kick in the 73 minutes but Herderson was very sharp to save it and while they also got another chance before the final whistle was blown, Pepe shot went wide. Herderson was really inform in the game and finally took his clean sheet to 25 since the start of last season more than any goal keeper in the top 4. Arsenal manager actually got his game plan wrong with players like Lacazette and Ceballos starting the game from the bench. Former Manchester United player Evra after the game described the gunners as a team that really lack winning mentality and think they are still in the same level he sees them 10 years ago.
My Advice For The Manager
Arsenal manager needs to know this about strength
Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one”
The team still have a long way to go in the league and lot of obstacle to come across and that is why they need strength to go far in the league if they will achieve their objective this season in the league.
